Catalina 27 Bow rail repair / chain locker.

[johnrolka]

I recently bought a Catalina 27 1978. It had a smashed bow rail requiring some major fiberglass repair on the foredeck. This boat does not have an external chain locker, just the capped fitting and a compartment open to the V birth. Since I've got so much fiberglass work to do here I'm considering just bulkheading off this space making is an exterior compartment and adding a hatch above for access from the deck. I can design the hatch and opening to maintain all the clearance around for the hardware up here. Has any buddy done this? Can you think of possible pit falls or problems I'm not seeing?

Thanks,
John Rolka